Blank

Tag Archives | Centerfold

Wired put together a rather interesting bit of ‘infoporn’ that compares the BMI (body-mass index) of Playboy playmate centerfolds to that of the typical American woman from December 1953 (Marilyn Monroe) to January 2009 (Dasha Astafieva).

The results are clear: While the typical American woman’s BMI has steadily climbed over the years, the typical playmate’s has slowly declined over that same period.

As Wired notes though, the facts and figures given by Playboy for each of their playmates probably have a fair dose of estimation, guessing and exaggeration built in, but even still, it’s telling of what they think the average American ‘wants’ vs. what the average American really is.

Fray is a quarterly series of independently produced books that are filled with true personal stories, articles and original art. Each one revolves around a central storytelling theme, and is about proving that extraordinary things happen to ordinary people.

It’s about finding that common thread that connects us all together. And it’s an invitation and a dare to get involved: What’s your story?

For a little history, Fray began as a website, where they presented individually designed, true first-person stories. It then evolved into a series of live storytelling events, Fray Days and Fray Cafes that took place all over the world and were attended by thousands of people. Now, the book phase that they’re currently in is their third evolution, and hopefully their best to date.

Their first issue was called ‘Busted’, and it was all about “true stories of getting caught in the act”. Their current issue, called Geek, is about “true stories of taking things too seriously” and features 60 pages of true stories, interviews and original art in full color, as well as a special pull-out centerfold.

In addition, they’re currently having a sale, and for just $35 plus shipping, you’ll get the first two issues, a limited edition Geek pocket protector, and two more issues in 2009.

If you’d like to participate in Fray, their next issue is called Sex & Death, and they’re taking submissions until January 31, 200, so you’ve got a limited amount of time to get something in.

Either way though, it’s definitely a unique format that bucks the trend of high quantity, ad supported printing, and with a bunch of very passionate people supporting it, it’s definitely worth checking out to see what you think.